Gastroenterology Today Summer 2021

EDITORS COMMENT
EDITORS COMMENT
“The
pandemic
has
dramatically
changed our
practice. One
such change
has been a
shift toward
remote
consultations
which is, at
least in part,
here to stay.”
The incredible success of the COVID 19 vaccination has given us all hope. Although
most would agree this virus, like almost all others, will likely never be fully eradicated,
the success of the vaccination programme has meant a greater degree of freedom as we
gradually exit from lockdown. COVID 19 has not only affected the lives of our patients’
both physical and psychological wellbeing over the past sixteen months but the collateral
damage it has inflicted will likely be experienced for years to come. The measure of
the true impact of this is yet to be fully appreciated but given the reduction in access
to healthcare, it is inevitable that the delay in diagnosis and treatment is resulting in
increased morbidity and mortality for many patients particularly the elderly and those with
chronic conditions.
The pandemic has dramatically changed our practice. One such change has been a
shift toward remote consultations which is, at least in part, here to stay. This does not
only have the potential to improve the financial efficiency of our services but also many
patients prefer this to face to face consultation given the cost and inconvenience of travel.
Its success will however depend on being able to identify the group of patients for whom
remote consultation is appropriate and optimal as well as addressing digital literacy issues
particularly in the elderly.
Hesam Ahmadi Nooredinvand,
St George’s Hospital
GASTROENTEROLOGY TODAY - SUMMER 2021
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